U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Calexico, California, recently seized millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs from a semi truck’s shipment of fresh produce.
The drug seizure occurred around 7:15 p.m. on January 31 when a 24 year old Mexican semi truck driver entered the Calexico Port of Entry with a load manifested as radishes.
The semi truck was referred for a secondary inspection.
Officers used non-intrusive inspection equipment and a canine unit to further examine the tractor trailer.
When the canine alerted to the presence of drugs, a physical inspection was conducted.
Officers discovered 1,590 packages concealed within the shipment of radishes.
The substance in the packages was positively identified as methamphetamine with an approximate weight of 4,563 pounds.
CBP said that the estimated street value of the seized drugs is $5,475,600.
The truck driver was arrested on charges related to drug smuggling and handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for processing.
CBP seized the truck, trailer, and drugs.
Strike one, Strike two! U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers are in the zone as they seize ANOTHER narcotic shipment concealed within pallets of radishes, at the Calexico East Port of Entry. Read more about it here: https://t.co/5XlZXqh2At pic.twitter.com/eWkO12PsSV
— Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki (@DFOSanDiegoCA) February 8, 2023
On January 29, a similar CBP drug bust occurred at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility when officers discovered a “large amount of narcotics” concealed in a shipment of radishes. In that instance, the 23 year old Mexican truck driver was also arrested and turned over to ICE and HSI while CBP seized the truck, trailer, and drugs.
“Outstanding work by our CBP officers” said Roque Caza, Port Director for Calexico Port of Entry. “These smuggling attempts are efforts to deceive and misguide us; however, our officers and law enforcement partners are always working together to improve the safety of our communities.”